NBA GMs predict Spurs will repeat, LeBron James as MVP
NBA general managers have picked the San Antonio Spurs to win the 2015 NBA Finals, according to a survey released by NBA.com Wednesday.
The survey found that 46.2 percent of GMs predict the Spurs will defend their title over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who received 70.4 percent of the vote to win the Eastern Conference Finals. Cleveland was the next likeliest team chosen to win with 15.4 percent, and overall six teams received votes to win the title.
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Last year, the GMs correctly predicted a Heat-Spurs finals, but incorrectly chose Miami to win it all.
Cavaliers forward LeBron James was predicted to win MVP with 67.9 percent of the vote. Reigning MVP Kevin Durant, who is currently out with a foot fracture, came in second with 21.4 percent. James is also the Vegas betting favorite to win the award.
In July, James announced that he would leave the Heat and return to the Cavaliers. Cleveland also traded for Timberwolves forward Kevin Love, giving up No. 1 draft pick Andrew Wiggins. The Cavs were overwhelmingly chosen as the team who made the best offseason moves.
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New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis was picked as most likely to have a breakout season, with Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal coming in second.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker was predicted to win Rookie of the Year, and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich received 92.9 percent of the vote for best head coach in the league.
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The Golden State Warriors were chosen as the team that's "most fun to watch."
The 2014-15 NBA season begins on Oct. 28.
- Molly Geary
